FAA Deploys SMART AI Tool in DC Airspace
The FAA has begun limited use of its SMART AI tool in Washington DC airspace to centralize traffic data and reduce delays, with plans for a phased national
The Federal Aviation Administration has begun using the SMART tool in a limited mode in the airspace surrounding Washington DC. The Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories system was unveiled by US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford, with its initial operational use starting on 21 September.
What SMART does and how it works
SMART synthesizes over 200 distinct data streams using an AI-supported engine. It aims to centralize information on weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics. The platform provides a comprehensive visualization of aircraft trajectories, system capacity, and potential congestion or weather challenges.
The tool can forecast future conditions and make recommendations to prevent problems before they arise. All of SMART’s recommendations are reviewed in real-time by FAA staff. Local leadership at air traffic control facilities can then choose to accept or pass on its scheduling suggestions. The system analyzes demand, weather, and airspace limits to help aviation specialists plan hours, days, or weeks ahead. It is currently unable to replace the role of air traffic controllers or take over control of an aircraft.
Goals and expected benefits of SMART
The system's key goals are to reduce delays and cancellations, optimize airspace, and improve operational predictability. Officials tout that SMART should reduce time spent waiting on the tarmac, circling airports, and diverting to other airports. It aims to open up capacity by routing flights more efficiently around storms and congestion.
More predictable operations would ease pressure on controllers and let them focus on safety. The FAA believes burning less fuel, cutting overtime, and landing more flights on time could lower airline operating costs. This efficiency could ultimately help lower ticket prices for passengers.
Contract, rollout plan, and industry support
Air Space Intelligence is building SMART under a 12-year, $875 million FAA contract awarded in June. The Department of Transportation and FAA worked with ASI to build an air traffic center to support a staged rollout over the next several months, starting in the National Capital Region. The same contract covers the Flow Management Data and Services platform, which serves as the technology backbone of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
Major airline leaders have endorsed the initiative. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said SMART "has the potential to significantly reduce delays and cancellations during weather events." Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said Delta is actively engaged in the development process. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan both pointed to their ongoing work with the FAA.
Airlines for America CEO and President Chris Sununu called SMART one of the most exciting and bold initiatives taken on by the FAA in decades. Sean P. Duffy said, "Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are already making remarkable progress on building a brand new air traffic control system." Administrator Bedford said combining SMART with ongoing hardware upgrades will help reduce delays and keep airspace open while maintaining safety. The FAA plans to gradually expand SMART's use to other parts of the country in phases.
